A Blog by Rabbi Brant Rosen

Zeek on JRC

There have now been several articles written about JRC’s new green synagogue facility, but none as eloquent or profound as this new piece in the November 07 issue of Zeek entitled “Sacred Spaces: Reimagining the Tabernacle in the Context of America’s First Green Synagogue.”

Written by Maya Schenwar, a young journalist who grew up at JRC, her article is a thorough exploration of the meaning of Jewish sacred space, using our current construction effort as a model:

The green synagogue, imbued with the values of conservation, simplicity, and faith, not only accomplishes a very practical, physical mitzvah—doing as little harm to the environment as possible—but it also points to a reconceptualization of sacred space.

How gratifying that someone truly understands the deeper meaning of this work! In the end, it’s not really about reclaimed cypress and LEED points – it’s ultimately about living mindfully and connecting with the sacred…

(By the way, if you haven’t added Zeek to your bookmark list, you should consider doing so. I’ve long been an devoted reader of this “Jewish Journal of Thought and Culture,” which I’d say is among the best of the new Jewish journalism.)

“…How gratifying that someone truly understands the deeper meaning of this work! In the end, it’s not really about reclaimed cypress and LEED points – it’s ultimately about living mindfully and connecting with the sacred…”

Thank you, Rabbi Rosen, for emphasizing for emphazing what a synagogue is focused on.